Instructions for Media

HEARING FOR JUDGE NEIL GORSUCH TO BE AN ASSOCIATE JUSTICE ON THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT

Members of the media planning to cover the hearing must pre-register with the United States Senate press and media galleries in order to obtain the proper access and accreditation for the hearing. Due to the limited number of seats in the hearing room, members of the media must also reserve a seat with their respective gallery.

CONTACTING THE MEDIA GALLERIES

Accreditation and pre-registration for members of the media interested in covering the Supreme Court nomination hearing are being coordinated by the United States Senate press and media galleries, in conjunction with the Senate Judiciary Committee. Their contact information is as follows:

I am a reporter, producer, or photographer interested in covering the hearing. How do I obtain the appropriate accreditation to gain access into the hearing room?

Members of the media planning to cover the hearing MUST PRE-REGISTER with the United States Senate press and media galleries. In addition to pre-registration, individuals will need a “hard” credential in order to obtain access into the hearing room.

Due to a LIMITED number of seats in the hearing room, members of the media MUST RESERVE A SEAT with the United States Senate press and media galleries.

I am a reporter from out of town or a foreign journalist that does not have a “hard” credential. How do I obtain the appropriate “hard” credential for the hearing?

Members of the media that meet the appropriate guidelines and rules for obtaining a “hard” credential should contact their respective gallery. This should be done in advance of the hearing to allow for the adequate time required to obtain a “hard” credential.

I am doing a documentary or I am an independent photographer interested in getting still photos or video coverage of the hearing. How do I obtain access to the hearing?

Only members of the media who have obtained the appropriate “hard” credential and have pre-registered with the United States Senate press and media galleries will be allowed access to the hearing.

Video coverage for the hearing is being coordinated by the Radio/Television Gallery. Still photography for the hearing is being coordinated by the Press Photographers’ Gallery. In order to obtain access, members of the media should contact their respective gallery.

How early should I get to the hearing and where should I go?

Members of the media are encouraged to arrive at the hearing far in advance of the scheduled start time. Access into the hearing room will be available to members of the media with a “reserved” space and appropriate credential approximately 1 hour before the hearings are scheduled to begin (subject to change).

What will I be able to bring into the hearing room?

Due to a limited amount of space available in the hearing room, members of the media are not allowed to bring articles such as jackets, briefcases, and other cumbersome materials into the hearing room. Members of the media will be allowed to bring a laptop computer into the hearing room (wireless internet access will be available). Members of the media will also be allowed the use of a voice recorder in the hearing. ONLY still photographers will be allowed the use of cameras in the hearing room. All communication devices must be in the off or silent mode. Use of cell phones is strictly prohibited, except by authorized staff. Failure to comply with this rule could result in removal from the hearing.

What types of resources will be available to members of the media at the hearing?

The Judiciary Committee will provide a filing center for members of the media to use throughout the hearing. To reserve a space in the filing center, members of the media must contact their respective gallery. The filing center will have desk space, televisions, and phones available for use.

There are no longer reserved spaces available for members of the media in the hearing room. How do I cover the hearing?

Members of the Media must reserve a seat with the United States Senate press and media galleries. The hearing will also be streamed live on the Judiciary Committee website, judiciary.senate.gov.

NOTE: Due to safety concerns, standing will not be allowed in the hearing room. Failure to follow this rule could result in removal from the hearing.

How will information such as a senator’s statement and relevant documents be distributed to members of the media?

Only senators’ statements and relevant documents will be allowed for distribution in the hearing room. Distribution will be performed by the Judiciary Committee staff. In addition, copies of the relevant materials will be provided at the filing centers. Opening statements will be available on the hearing web page at the time of the hearing. Other relevant documents will be available on Judge Gorsuch’s nomination page, https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/nominations/supreme/pn55-115.

I am not a member of the media, but my organization or group would like to distribute informational materials to members of the media covering the hearing. Where would I be able to do that?

Outside organizations and groups will not be allowed to distribute information inside the hearing room. A table will be provided outside the filing center for any organization or group wishing to distribute materials at the hearing. Contact Judiciary Committee staff to have any information placed on the table.